A young person from Dartford will speak out for young people across the UK after being selected as a Youth Ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
Dartford Grammar School student Dylan Davis, 19, joins a cohort of just 35 other DofE participants and Award holders who will advocate for young people within the charity and wider community throughout the year. Together they will work to design and deliver campaigns and help shape the direction of the DofE by sharing their expertise on key issues impacting young people across the UK.
The DofE recruited its first panel of Youth Ambassadors in 2021, as part of its commitment to put young people at the heart of its work, supporting them to champion and represent the charity at events and panel discussions and make young people’s voices heard at the highest levels.
Doing a DofE programme involves completing four sections: Physical, Skills, Volunteering and a demanding Expedition. Naturally sporty, Dylan challenged himself to complete a half marathon and then after months of training took on the London Triathlon – one of his greatest accomplishments.
It was the Volunteering section where Dylan felt most inspired. He found a real enjoyment in helping people and making a positive impact. His volunteering has ranged from litter-picking and helping elderly neighbours, to creating his own delivery service during lockdown, raising money for charity along the way
Speaking on his appointment as a Youth Ambassador, Dylan said: “Self-development means having to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I did so much through DofE that I’d never done before, it takes what you like and puts a different perspective on it.”
The DofE is a non-competitive, personal challenge that gives all young people the chance to discover new passions, broaden their horizons and make a difference on issues that matter to them. Through their DofE, young people develop vital skills, confidence and resilience to help them take on challenges and fulfil their potential. In 2021/22, more than 321,000 young people started their DofE – the highest figure in the charity’s 66-year history.
Young people’s mental health, social lives and education have been hit hard by the COVID pandemic and cost-of-living crisis – with marginalised young people disproportionately affected. Non-formal educational opportunities like the DofE, which are open to all young people, are needed now more than ever. The DofE is working to reach a million young people by 2026 – with a particular focus on those facing barriers to taking part, such as young people from marginalised communities.